This weekend was set aside for family time in our household. Everyone had to leave their friends, and dad and mom had to skip any work or plans and we all hung out as a family unit.

We began Saturday morning with a good country breakfast. Everyone together at the breakfast table. That is when we do our best weekend plans. We decided to go down state and get with our nephews and nieces and a bunch of cousins and all go to the new movie "Doogle" together. Of course it was popcorn and candy for all.

I think even the adults enjoyed the movie. There were just enough silly comments to make you giggle.

After the movie we all headed to Aunt Julia's. Of course we had to make a detour back to the Theater because our youngest daughter had left "Frizzy Bear" in the movie theater.

So after we found Frizzy and got him safely back in Angela's arms, we hurried to Julia's. We all sat around making hilly billy sandwiches: bologna, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, for a good home lunch.

Then we went off again and rushed to the ice skating rink where all the little ones put on their skates and began their hour of sliding around and falling. Some of them caught on nicely, but it was a ball of fun just to watch them try.

On the way home we all did Dairy Queen. We stopped at a park and walked some while the kids played on the swings.

By the time we got back to Aunt Julia's, the kids were all tired out and ready for dinner and sleep. So pizza it was and we all settled in to watch "Stuart Little 3." Most of the kids were sleeping soundly before the end of the movie. They looked like little ducklings lined in a row on the floor with pillows and blankets. One big giagantic sleep over.

The next morning there was over 25 of us lined up in the church pew. All one big part of our extended family. I sat quietly and thought how wonderful it would be if my parents could look down from heaven and see 25 of their little ones all in a row, listening to what the Pastor said about Jesus.

We left church and picked up some KFC and headed for the park. It was a beautfiul March day. Everyone still needed coats and gloves but the sun was out and it was a perfect time for fun.

We all gave hugs and it was time for us to begin our trip home. We have a two hour drive back up to Mid Michigan. We made one more stop to Grandma Bear's house to pick her up. She went with us to meet the newest addition to our family: our great, niece Lilly Anna. She is now 3 days old.

What a wonderful little girl. All dressed in pink. Only six pounds and nineteen inches long, with a head full of black hair. One more of God's gifts. We all got some baby love and then we headed home.

Both our kids fell fast asleep in the back seat, which left my husband and me some nice alone time. It was a perfect weekend. Lots of fun and lots of company. No better way to spend a day.

It just made it much more fun going Off To The Movies as a group. A perfect family weekend.